Montelukast

About montelukast

Montelukast can be used to treat mild to moderate asthma and it can prevent tightness of the chest often experienced by asthmatics.

The causes of asthma are not fully understood although it is thought to involve a genetic (or inherited) component. Exercise, pollution and pollen from trees or flowers sometimes worsen or cause symptoms. Exposure to these and other factors cause the body to produce substances including leukotrienes. They cause inflammation and narrow the tiny air passages of the lungs (the bronchioles) during an asthma attack. Montelukast helps control the symptoms of asthma by blocking the effects of leukotrienes.

Before using montelukast

Before taking montelukast make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take montelukast

• Read the printed information leaflet that comes with this medicine, if possible before beginning treatment.
• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Montelukast should normally be taken in the evening.
• Montelukast should be taken each day so try not to miss any doses.
• Tablets should be swallowed whole.
• Montelukast chewable tablets should be sucked or chewed before swallowing, and should be taken one hour before food.
• Granules can be mixed with cold food but not liquid, or simply swallowed.
• Do not stop taking montelukast without speaking to your doctor first.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If your asthma or breathing gets worse, tell your doctor straight away.
• Where symptoms including difficulty breathing get worse very quickly, use a reliever inhaler such as salbutamol and contact your doctor immediately.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside montelukast.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this preparation contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.

Can montelukast cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other possible but less common side-effects include: thirst, dry mouth, diarrhoea, agitation, indigestion, tummy upset, and an increased tendency to bleed or bruise.

Important: if you experience a rash, chest pain or numbness in your hands/feet or your breathing gets worse you should speak to your doctor immediately.

How to store montelukast

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Important information about all medicines